Traveler’s Aid of Philadelphia runs the Bridge Transitional Housing Program, which serves 33 homeless families in the Spruce Hill section of West Philadelphia. The Office of Supportive Housing and a few other community based organizations make referrals.

Residents can stay with Bridge for one year. An intensive case manager meets with residents when they enter the program and helps set up services that address residents’ particular needs. An employment specialist arranges employment training workshops to help residents prepare for employment and find job opportunities. A parenting specialist runs a parenting skills workshop to teach residents the skills they need to help their children. Life skills specialists run life skills workshops that help residents with any additional problems and obstacles. A community housing workshop is also offered to help residents secure permanent housing. All workshops run for 12 weeks and every family meets with the program director and their intensive case manager for quarterly reviews.

On-site counseling is available for all residents and the staff helps families with health and family planning. Education help is also available with referrals to GED programs and other learning opportunities. Help with budgeting and other household skills is also provided. Drug and alcohol testing is available and Bridge can make referrals to appropriate programs if needed. Partnered organizations in the community are available for other necessary services not provided on-site. Transportation to community services is provided by Bridge. A youth developer provides life skills classes for children aged 11-18. After-school and summer programs are available through Bridge.

One Neighborhood developed this summary. If you are an employee of TAP, contact hello@oneneighborhood.org to update this page.